Federal charges were filed against a professor at City University of New York (CUNY) for selling bogus course completion certificates in phlebotomy and other healthcare courses for up to $1000. 

Federal prosecutors allege biology professor Mamadouh Abdel-Sayed held unauthorized medical and health-related courses in empty classrooms on campus and sold bogus course completion certificates for $25-$1000 printed on stationery he bought and embossed himself. They say little to no training ever took place, textbooks weren't used and students weren't graded.

According to an online article posted by NBC 4 New York authorities also believe Abdel-Sayed provided fake certificates for phlebotomy, EKGs, CPR, sonography and patient-care technician from at least 2013 through 2017.

After federal authorities raided Abdel-Sayed's office last summer, he allegedly told one of his "students" to return the certificates, and, if questioned, to tell authorities the only course he took was pathophysiology, which Abdel-Sayed is authorized to teach. If convicted on all five counts including solicitation of bribes, wire fraud and obstruction of justice, Abdel-Sayed faces up to 80 years in prison.

Related story in the New York Post